JP2021501064A - Systems and methods for providing marked containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer (4) for providing a marked container (12) that stores at least one unique identifier (16) for each container (12) for application to each container (12). An ink supply station (24) having a control system (8) and a print head (32) operably connected to a computer control system (8) and configured to spray ink onto the outer surface of each container (12). ), A printing unit (5) capable of printing the identifier (16) on the container (12), and a computer control system (8) operably connected to print the identifier (16) on the container (12). It is provided with displacement means (36) capable of performing relative rotation, translation or rotational translation of each container (12) and the print head (32). [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention preferably relates to a system and method for providing a medicinal marked container.

As is well known, marking of cylindrical glass containers with an identification code that allows identification of the container is done by a kind of fixed master mold and printhead or printing system capable of printing the same specific mark on each container. be able to.

This method is fast, but you can only print the same image / logo on each container at all times. In order to change the mark, it is necessary to remove the head and replace the fixed base.

With this operation, the logo / image cannot be changed and the container cannot be marked uniquely. Therefore, the information transmitted by each mark is the same.

This is a big limitation in terms of the information that can be printed on each container because the information that can be printed on each container is fixed and limited and cannot be changed for each continuous container. In particular, in the pharmaceutical industry where containers need to be validated, tracked and tracked, each container must necessarily be marked with a unique identifier or serial number.

This technical problem is exacerbated in the pharmaceutical field, where special inks must be used and the surface of the printed container is curved.

For inks, inorganic inks should be used to withstand the high temperatures of sterilization, depyrogen, and tempering processes for glass containers.

In addition, the ink must not damage the glass container and / or its contents (pharmaceutical compounds).

Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical field, the process of printing images / logos on each container must be compatible with the high speed production and molding lines of glass containers, so the printing of each container is the production / molding of upstream glass containers. Do not slow down the line.

Known printing processes are relatively fast when printing static images, but cannot print unique identifiers or serial numbers that would require printing a new image for each container.

From the above point of view, using the existing digital printing system that can be integrated into the glass container molding and production line, the cylindrical glass container with a unique identification code for very fast, accurate and reliable. There is a need in the art to overcome these shortcomings by providing a markingable system. The unique identification code is, for example, a data matrix two-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional QR code, or an identifier as a human-readable text.

Such an object is achieved by the system according to claim 1 for providing a glass marked container.

Other embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the preferred and non-limiting embodiments described below.

Schematic of a system that provides a marked container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Schematic of the unit for printing a unique identifier on a glass container Schematic diagram showing the use of a medicinal marked container in a drug container handling line by the system of the present invention.

Elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are shown using the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a container manufacturing line 1 comprising a container molding station 18, preferably a system 4 for providing a medicinal marked container 12.

The present invention is not relating to a particular type or size or shape of a glass container.

Thus, the type of chemical, container size and / or material may be of different types and does not affect or limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

The storable drug may be either a liquid or a solid such as a tablet or powder.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the pharmaceutical field. Further, the marked container 12 is preferably a glass container 12.

The system 4 for providing the marked container 12 includes a printing unit 5, an ink vitrification unit 6, a marked container inspection unit 7, a selection unit 9 for accepting / rejecting the marked container, and a main control unit. 10 is provided. The main control system 10 is operably connected to the printing unit 5, the ink vitrification unit 6, the mark-kinged container inspection unit 7, and the selection unit 9.

The printing unit 5 is configured to print the identifier 16 on each container 12 leaving the molding station 18, particularly on the outer surface of each container 12. The printing unit 5 is preferably a digital printing unit.

The ink vitrification unit 6 is configured to adhere the ink used for printing the identifier 16 to the outer surface of each container 12.

The marked container inspection unit 7 is configured to check and evaluate the quality of the printed identifier 16.

The selection unit 9 is configured to determine whether to accept the marked container leaving the inspection unit based on the result of the evaluation performed by the container inspection unit 7.

The main control system 10 is configured to manage and control the functions of units 5, 6, 7, and 9.

The main control system 10 may also be configured to receive and transfer data to and from an external or third party computer system.

Referring to FIG. 2, the printing unit 5, preferably the digital printing unit, includes an ink supply station 24, a container transfer means 35, a container displacement means 36, and a control system 8. The container transfer means 35 is configured to transfer the container leaving the molding station 18 to the printing unit 5. The container displacement means 36 can perform relative rotation, translation, or rotational translation to achieve a particular XYZ coordinate between each container 12 and the printing unit 5 during printing of the identifier 16. The control system 8 is operably connected to the ink supply station 24, the container transfer means 35, and the container displacement means 36.

The control system 8 stores at least one unique identifier 16 for each container 12 for application to each container 12. That is, each identifier 16 is uniquely associated with a single container 12. The association and the association are executed and stored in the control system 8.

In particular, the unique identifier may be a one-dimensional, two-dimensional barcode, or other code. Other codes can include unique identifiers, such as images.

The image may consist of still images such as instructions, logos, drug names, scales, barcodes, or other relevant product related data. The image may also contain other fixed and variable data necessary to assign a serial number, identifier, code, or unique identifier to the container to provide traceability and tracking and tracking capabilities.

The image and the unique identifier may also be transmitted from an external computer system and uploaded to the control system 8.

Preferably, the image is stored in a computer control system as a digital electronic file, along with a specific matrix for each image applied to allow accurate placement of ink droplets as part of the image creation process.

According to possible embodiments, the printed image may cover the entire perimeter and / or the product length and height of a particular area of each container. These images may be printed as monochromatic or multicolor images utilizing any of the CMYK, CMYKWB, CMYKOG, or solid color processing elements.

In addition, the computer control system 8 stores the geometry of the container 12 associated with each identifier 16.

The term "geometric shape" should be considered in a broad sense, including both shape, size and proportion.

With reference to FIG. 2, the ink supply station 24 includes a print head 32 and an ink management unit 34. The ink management unit 34 is configured to handle various types of inks, particularly inks containing heavy solids, pigments or glass raw materials. Preferably, the ink management unit 34 keeps the ink in a closed loop system for all the various colors utilized for the image / identifier 16. It is also designed to keep the ink in suspension and prevent evaporation of the essential elements of the ink system.

Preferably, the ink comprises a silicon dioxide compound and / or a borosilicate compound.

The control system 8 and the ink management unit 34 work together to ensure that the ink is always available. This allows droplets of any ink or color to be supplied and printed on demand.

The print head 32, the ink management unit 34, and the control system 8 are configured to interact accurately in order to print a high-definition multicolor image on the surface of the container.

The print head 32 is filled with ink and has a plurality of nozzles configured to spray ink onto the outer surface of each container 12.

According to a possible embodiment, the ink supply station 24 may include a plurality of print heads (not shown). The plurality of print heads print different colors. In this way, it is possible to print more complex marks, and moreover, the first color is used to print at least one background color, while at least one second color is used. The actual mark can be printed.

The configuration of the printing unit 5 depends on the type of container, image requirements, and required manufacturing specifications. The printing unit 5 may be arranged as a complete single unit or as a separate component within the container manufacturing line 1. Alternatively, the printing unit 5 may be configured as a separate unit that operates in parallel with the production line 1. In this case, the product is moved off the line and returned to the line when the printing process is complete.

The container transfer means 35 may be of any type, shape, and size, and is suitable for transferring the container 12 leaving the molding station 18 to the container displacement means 36.

The container displacement means 36 may be of any type, shape and size and is suitable for holding, rotating and / or translating each container 12 and / or the printhead 12 during printing of the identifier 16.

The displacement means 36 is operably connected to the control system 8 so as to synchronize the relative movement of the print head 32 and the container 12 with the inkjet based on the control signal received from the control system 8. The identifier 16 is accurately reproduced on a predetermined portion of the outer surface of the container 12. Therefore, the control system 8 includes means for detecting the position of the surface of the container 12 during rotation and / or translation by the displacement means 36.

To start the printing process, the container 12 is held by the displacement means 36, whereby the computer control system 8 acquires the zero or start position of the container. Once the starting position is obtained, the container 12 is moved, operated and / or rotated by the container displacement means 36, and its actual position is accurately and continuously measured from the control system 8. The control system 8 compares the measured actual position with the stored reference value of the container surface. If the acquisition position corresponds to the position of the surface on which the image pixels should be printed, the control system 8 activates a particular nozzle to provide an ink jet directly above this container surface position. Send instructions to 32.

The control system 8, the ink supply station 24, and the displacement means 36 continue to work together to control the print head 32 as described above until the image is completely printed according to the symbol file stored in the control system 8.

Preferably, the print definition is determined based on the container and / or customer and / or functional requirements. The resolution may be up to 1440 dpi.

According to a possible embodiment, the printing unit 5 includes a cleaner device (not shown) for the printing head 32. Preferably, the cleaner device cleans the print head 32 at predetermined time intervals so as to prevent the print head 32 from becoming dirty.

Depending on the container type, image requirements and manufacturing specifications, it may be necessary to keep the printed container within a certain temperature range in order to improve the printing process. This can be achieved by heating or cooling the glass so that it reaches a defined temperature range.

In the glass production line 1, the printing unit 5 can be arranged in the vicinity of the molding station 18 for the container 12, for example, the molding station 18 is on the upstream side.

As described above, the container 12 leaving the molding station 18 has already been preheated. It is also possible to preheat or cool the container 12 before entering the printing unit 5 so as to control the temperature of the container during the printing process.

The preheating step allows the ink to settle immediately on the surface of the container when the ink comes into contact with the glass, and as a result, the definition of the image can be clearly improved. In fact, without this step, the vitrification of the ink takes place exclusively in the oven, resulting in the deburring of the ink at the time interval between the contact of the ink with the glass and the entry of the container into the oven. As a result, the definition of the image formed during vitrification may be impaired.

Therefore, the system 4 may be provided with heating and / or cooling means for setting the container to the particular temperature range described above.

Certain ink systems may require additional steps to fix or cure the ink through a hot process. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the system 4 may include an ink vitrification unit 6, such as an oven, a furnace, or an annealing unit, to ensure that the ink is cured and completely adhered to the glass container. Good. The temperature and time dependence of the vitrification process depends on the type of glass, the design, dimensions and specifications of the container, as well as the operating requirements. If the heat treatment is not part of the glass production line, it may need to be added as a step in the process during the production process.

In this way, the identifier 16 is less susceptible to scratches and is not damaged in the supply chain or in the drug container handling line.

When the ink vitrification process is complete, the container 12 on which the unique identifier 16 is printed is transferred to the marked container inspection unit 7.

In practice, the vitrification process can change the ink properties and the contour / detail of identifier 16. Therefore, the correspondence between the stored identifier 16 (in the control system 8) and the printed identifier 16 (on the outer surface of the container) to see if the image has changed or the readability has changed. The relationship check is performed after the annealing step using the identifier reader 20 (not shown in FIG. 1). The identifier reader 20 is part of the mark king container inspection unit 7.

Preferably, the inspection unit 7 is provided with lighting means (not shown in FIG. 1) suitable for illuminating the identifier 16 printed on the container 12.

In particular, if the identifier 16 is transparent or contains an empty point in the pattern, the illuminating means preferably illuminates the container 12 from the back. That is, the light is directed to the back of the identifier 16.

If the identifier 16 is not transparent or does not include an empty spot in the pattern, the illuminating means preferably illuminates the container 12 from the front.

According to a possible embodiment, the displacement means 36 and the lighting means are operably connected to the control system 8 so as to be synchronized with each other. Therefore, the relative position between the identifier reader 20 and the lighting means is adjusted according to the type of the identifier 16 and / or the container 12.

If the image printed on the surface of the container is accepted by the inspection unit 7, the marked container 12 is accepted. Otherwise, by means of selection 9 configured to discard, reject and / or block the container 12 if there is a negative correspondence between the stored identifier and the printed identifier 16. Container 12 is rejected and removed from system 4.

The readability and visual inspection process for the marked container 12 is carried out at additional locations along production line 1 to provide traceability and tracking and tracking processes in the supply chain or after the manufacturing process. May be good. The location may be inside the outside of the production line 1.

Status, readability, images, unique identifiers, or other related parameters are updated in the main control system 10 and stored for later use. Changes in status at any point in the process are added to existing data that is managed or stored so that a complete history of the product can be viewed during product life. The data may be uploaded to an external computer system.

In summary, the method according to the invention, preferably for providing a medicinal marked glass container, is
A step of providing a computer control system 8 that stores at least one unique identifier 16 applied to each container 12.
Ink-filled with a plurality of nozzles operably connected to a computer control system 8 that can print the identifier 16 on each container 12 and are configured to spray ink onto the outer surface of each container 12. The step of providing the printing unit 5 including the printed head 32.
A step of providing a displacement means 36 capable of performing relative rotation, translation, or rotational translation between each container 12 and the print head 32 while printing the identifier 16 on the container 12, where the displacement means. 36 is operably connected to the computer control system 8.
It essentially comprises the step of printing each unique identifier 16 into the corresponding container 12 by synchronizing the print head 32 and the displacement means 36 via the computer control system 8.

Possible embodiments of the present invention relate to the pharmaceutical industry.

In particular, according to a possible embodiment (as shown in FIG. 3), the container 12 manufactured on the glass production line 1 and marked by the system 4 can be used on the chemical handling line 40. The chemical handling line 40 includes, for example, a chemical filling station 60 capable of filling the container 12 with chemicals. Here, at least one identifier reader 20 is arranged upstream of the filling station 60 of the container 12 to check the correspondence of the identifiers of the container before the empty container 12 is filled with chemicals.

According to a possible embodiment, at least one identifier reader 20 is placed upstream of the filling station 60 of the container 12 to check the correspondence of the identifiers of the empty container 12 before being filled with chemicals.

In this way, it is possible to dispose / block the container along the line before the chemical is filled.

According to a possible embodiment, the drug container handling line 4 comprises an inspection line having an inspection station 64.

For example, an inspection station 64 may be provided after the filling station 24 to perform a visual scan and weight inspection of the filled container 12.

Preferably, at least one identifier reader 20 is located corresponding to the inspection station 64.

For example, after the inspection station 64, a labeling station 68 for labeling each container 12 may be provided.

Preferably, at least one identifier reader 20 is arranged corresponding to the labeling station 68.

According to one embodiment, after the labeling station 68, a packing station 72 is provided so that each container 12 is packed and finally each box containing the container 12 is weighed.

Preferably, at least one identifier reader 20 is located corresponding to the packing station 72.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a handling line having an inspection line separated from the filling line may be provided. Therefore, the inspection line may not have the filling station 60 but only the inspection station 64.

In this embodiment, it is possible to perform collation processing only on the inspection line of the chemical container.

As inferred from the present specification, the system according to the invention overcomes the shortcomings mentioned with reference to the cited prior art.

In fact, using an existing digital printing system, each cylinder with a different mark containing all the necessary information in a very fast, accurate and reliable way without delaying the glass container production line 1. It is possible to mark the glass container in real time.

Printing of the container can be performed by a specific digital inkjet printer using an ink containing a silicon dioxide compound and / or a borosilicate compound.

In fact, since the glass contains silicon, the particular ink cab described above can be applied to both soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass.

Both compounds can withstand high temperature heat treatment, that is, annealing of glass containers, which is also necessary for fixing ink to glass. Therefore, the glass is strengthened and the ink marks are completely fixed to the glass without the risk of mark wear or partial loss. In fact, partial loss or wear of the mark leads to incorrect or negative identification, resulting in the disposal of the container from the line.

Claims (25)

A system (4) for providing a marked container (12).
A computer control system (8), which stores at least one unique identifier (16) for each container (12) for application to each container (12).
A printing unit (5) with an ink supply station (24) operably connected to a computer control system (8) and equipped with a print head (32) configured to spray ink onto the outer surface of each container (12). ), And a printing unit (5) capable of printing the identifier (16) on each container (12).
Operatively connected to the computer control system (8) and during printing of the identifier (16) on the container (12), the relative rotation, translation or rotational translation of each container (12) and the print head (32). Displacement means (36), which can perform
System (4). The system (4) of claim 1, wherein the ink comprises a silicon dioxide compound and / or a borosilicate compound. The system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ink supply station (24) includes a plurality of print heads (32), each of which prints a different color. The system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printing station (24) comprises a cleaner device for the printing head (32). The system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12) is a glass container (12) and is preheated before being printed by the print head (32). The displacement means (36) is operably connected to the computer control system (8) so that the relative movement between the print head (32) and the container (12) is synchronized with the inkjet. The system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, which accurately reproduces the identifier (16) on the outer surface of (12). The computer control system (8) is assigned to each identifier (16) in order to synchronize the relative movement between the printhead (32) and the container (12) in terms of the geometry of the container (12). The system (4) according to any one of the prior claims, which stores the geometry of the associated container (12). At least one identifier reader (20) capable of reading the identifier (16) printed on each container (12), and the identifier (16) printed on each container (12) can be read on each container (12). An identifier reader (20), connected to the control system (8), for comparison with the corresponding unique identifier (16) stored for.
Discarding, rejecting and / or blocking the container (12) if there is a negative correspondence between the printed identifier (16) and the stored identifier (16) for each container (12). Selectable unit (9),
7. The system (4) according to claim 7. The system (4) according to claim 8, further comprising a lighting means suitable for illuminating the identifier (16) printed on the container (12) while the identifier (16) is being read by the identifier reader (20). The displacement means (36) and the lighting means (58) are operably connected to the computer control system (8) in synchronization with each other, whereby the relative between the identifier reader (20) and the lighting means (58). 9. The system (4) of claim 9, wherein the position is adjusted according to the type of identifier (16) and / or container (12). The system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an oven, a furnace, or an ink vitrification unit (6) having an baking unit for curing the ink and completely adhering it to the glass container (12). ). The system (4) according to claim 11, wherein an identifier reader (20) is placed after the ink vitrification unit (6) in order to read the identifier (16) printed on each container (12) after annealing. A system (4) for providing the marked container (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a chemical filling station (12) capable of filling the marked container (12) with chemicals. A chemical handling line (40) comprising 60). A glass container manufacturing line (1) comprising a molding station (18) for the container (12) and the system (4) according to any one of claims 1-12.
The glass container production line (1), where the container (12) is transferred to the system (4) as it leaves the molding station (18). The molding station (18) is placed in the printing unit (5) so that the container (12) leaving the molding station (18) is preheated when leaving the molding station (18) and before entering the printing unit (5). The glass container production line (1) according to claim 14, which is arranged in close proximity. The glass container manufacturing line (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the printing unit (5) is arranged between the work stations of the container manufacturing line (1) in the container manufacturing line (1). The glass container manufacturing line (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the printing unit (5) is arranged outside the container manufacturing line (1) adjacent to the station of the container manufacturing line (1). A method of providing a marked glass container,
A step of providing a computer control system (8) that stores at least one unique identifier (16) for each container (12) for application to each container (12).
A print head (32) operably connected to a computer control system (8), capable of printing an identifier (16) on each container (12), and spraying ink onto the outer surface of each container (12). ) To provide a printing unit (5),
Operatively connected to the computer control system (8) and during printing of the identifier (16) on the container (12), the relative rotation, translation or rotational translation of each container (12) and the print head (32). A step of providing a displacement means (36) capable of performing the
A step of printing each unique identifier (16) into a corresponding container (12) by synchronizing the print head (32) and the displacement means (36) via a computer control system (8).
Including methods. Steps to use the graphical user interface (GUI) or human machine interface (HMI) of the computer control system (8),
The step of selecting an image or identifier (16) from the menu at the beginning of the process,
The step of transferring this data from the computer control system (8) to various parts of the system (4) to ensure that all data and components are synchronized.
18. The method of claim 18. The ink management unit (34) comprises all the different color inks utilized for the image / identifier (16), comprising the steps of providing an ink management unit (34) designed to handle a variety of ink systems. Keep in a closed loop system,
The ink management unit (34) is designed to ensure that the ink remains suspended and to prevent evaporation of the elements of the ink system.
A computer control system (8) and an ink management unit (34) work together to ensure that ink is always available to supply and print droplets of any ink or color on demand. To be able to,
The method of claim 18 or 19. A step of providing an ink management unit (34) that keeps ink in a closed loop system for all the different colors utilized for the image / identifier (16),
Hold the container (12) by displacement means (36) designed to control movement and rotation to achieve a particular XYZ coordinates for printing and placement of ink on the container (12). Step,
Steps to determine the zero or start position of the container (12) in conjunction with the computer control system (8) to ensure accuracy in image handling and digital interaction with the ink management system (26). Prepare,
Here, when the container (12) is moved, manipulated and / or rotated by the displacement means (36), the actual position is measured, this position is digitally coded, the ink management system (26) and the computer. Shared with control system (8),
The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20. During the printing process, the image handling unit uses an embedded printing algorithm to compare the position received from the digital encoder with the product image stored in the image handling system of computer control system (8). , The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21. 22. The printing algorithm directs the printhead (32) to fire a particular nozzle to supply ink in the correct order and method to complete a particular image to be printed. the method of. When the image is printed, the container (12) is transferred to the inspection process, where the identifier reader (20) inspects the image and compares it with a particular image stored in the computer control system (8) for inspection. Any of claims 18-23, which, if passed, sends the container (12) to the next step in the process, and if it does not pass, rejects the container (12) and removes it from the process. The method according to item 1. A method for providing a marked glass container, comprising the step of providing the system according to any one of claims 1-12.

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